Claude and DaVinci Resolve Studio 21: MCP setup

This tutorial connects Claude to DaVinci Resolve Studio 21 through Resolve's MCP server. The setup uses Claude Desktop or Claude Code on the same computer. A local project database and the External scripting using setting set to Local let Claude access Resolve's scripting engine. This describes a connection to desktop software, not a demonstration of running a model locally.

The presenter installs the connection through Resolve's AI assistance menu, checks the connector in Claude, and asks it to list projects. Claude reports that the open, unsaved project exists only in memory, which explains why it does not appear in the project list.

The editing test uses four short clips. The presenter reports that Claude launches Resolve, creates a project, imports the files and builds a timeline in alphabetical order. It then reads clip durations, trims three seconds from the second clip and makes the fourth black and white by setting saturation to zero on its first color node.

Claude writes and runs Python against Resolve's API. According to the presenter, the API lacks an in-place trim operation, so Claude deletes and re-appends clips with a new in point. Its first attempt leaves two clips one frame short; it catches and fixes that error. The test also disables selected audio items, saves the project and renders beside the source files. The presenter recommends this workflow for routine editing tasks, while noting that Claude cannot see the picture in this setup and is not yet suited to creative cutting.